Problems already. Yay! So, car won't start

[thakid]

I think the batteries dead. Not for sure, though. Nothing turns on inside, such as the lights inside and the odometer, etc.

[slowion2]

yep, dead battery at least

[thakid]

Awesome. I made the correct diagnosis.

Now. To get a new battery...

[JazzyJeff]

you might also want to check the connections to the alternator and the starter. It's rare but I've sen them carrode(sp) through and cause a short.

[PROTOTYPE]

you might also want to check the connections to the alternator and the starter. It's rare but I've sen them carrode(sp) through and cause a short.

Its not that rare actually Jeff. If its been sitting it can do that pretty easily but yeah take a static reading of the battery and see how much volts she is putting out. If tis below 9.6 v trickle charge it for a lil bit and then quick charge. The slower you charge the battery the better.

[thakid]

I found out that I had to put some gas into it so it could start.

Is this normal with manual cars?

O_o

Or this is a sign of a problem that I should get fixed before it gets worse?

[saturnspeed_12]

no you shouldnt have to give it gas. might have a bad coolant temperature sensor.

[thakid]

I found out what the problem was. The red wire going to the battery gets lose. Like, a couple minutes ago I went for a drive around here, trying to get my shifting to be a little bit smoother, then the car just "died" on me. I pop the hood and place the red wire that's going to the battery in a way that it won't get lose and BAM, my lights go on and everything.

The rattling still worries me though. It's coming mostly from the passenger side, but it comes from both sides.

I'm happy I got my shifting to get smooth. It feels so good.

BTW, at what speed should I be in third gear?

I'm shifting at around 3K rpm, and in third gear it's going around 30. Feels like much faster, though. I think something's messed up...

Anyways, long post coming to an end. Appreciate all the help.

[JazzyJeff]

you might also want to check the connections to the alternator and the starter. It's rare but I've sen them carrode(sp) through and cause a short.

Its not that rare actually Jeff. If its been sitting it can do that pretty easily but yeah take a static reading of the battery and see how much volts she is putting out. If tis below 9.6 v trickle charge it for a lil bit and then quick charge. The slower you charge the battery the better.

well then I concead...

[saturnspeed_12]

shifting at 3k is good. 30mph into 3rd is normal, i do believe, unless you mean 30mph at 3k, that isnt.

[TurboSL1]

shift when the car feels natural, if it shakes a lot you shifted too early, if it's screaming too much you shifted too late.


get used to it, you're doing fine as it is